Kaiser, Jane, 1947 August 17
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Authors
Kaiser, Jane Aileen
Issue Date
1947-8-17
Volume
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Type
Letter
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Kaiser, Jane , Box 05 , Box 05 Folder 05
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Abstract
"Your Grace: Main Index I have been trying for an entire week to find the words to express to you the deep and sincere appreciation that I feel in regard to your courageous and zealous Catholic action in the matter of the treatment of colored Catholics. It has been most recently exemplified by the admission of our children to Catholic high schools in this archdiocese. Upon publication of the news in the press, I immediately tried to word a telegram to you. It seemed so inadequate. Failing in that, I decided to try to see you on Friday when I hoped you might have ""open house."" (I still would prefer this if it is possible) Fearing that I would be utilizing your valuable time when other methods could be used, I decided to write. This feeling is not new. Ever since you came to St. Louis I have been hoping to see you someday to express what I am trying to say now. We colored Catholics looked forward to your coming with much hope, eager anticipation and great faith. When Father Claude Heithuas, S.J. left St. Louis with certain factual information about the discriminatory practice that prevailed here, which he intended to bring to your attention before you came to St. Louis, Father John Markoe, S.J. and I rejoiced-for we knew that his words would not fall upon deaf ears. We had been waging, without success, quite a bitter fight over this matter of the admittance of all persons irrespective of race to our Catholic schools. I know that you couldn't possibly remember, but I had written to you in Indianapolis about it almost three years ago. So perhaps you can understand what I mean when I say that you have more than justified our anticipation, our hope and faith. I not only want to express my gratitude and appreciation because of this new move in opening up the high schools. It is monumental in import and prophetic in content. However, it is but a highlight in your campaign to bring a real Catholicism to this archdiocese. I and a few others realized and benefited by the subtle change in attitude immediately after your appointment. Father Victor Suren, another courageous follower of Christ, at St. Joseph’s in Clayton, admitted my son and two other colored children to the parish school. Another was admitted in Wells ton-and a few in Kirkwood. And of course John Carter was admitted by the Jesuits to St. Louis University High School. Needless to say, none of this would have transpired if your example and attitude had not been favorable and well known. So it is because of your fearless and indomitable determination to carry out the principles of Catholicism regardless of public opinion and community mores and patterns, that I am so deeply appreciative. Moreover, I am personally grateful for what your example has meant to me as a Catholic. You have not only given my children an opportunity to be reared in a true Catholic education, provided the ope for and the means of a more promising future for this city, and renewed the ""face of the Catholic Church to the nation at a time when it was sorely needed, but you have restored my faith. Besides all of this, you are making the self-sacrifices of others such as Father William Markoe, Father John Markoe, Father Heithaus, and Father George Dunne, not to have been offered in vain. Respectfully, June Aileen Kaiser (Mrs.)"
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